Nairobi, Kenya – February 27th, 2024 – Dance, an intrinsic element of culture, takes centre stage with the introduction of Kenya’s inaugural Certified African-Based Dance Curriculum, Afuzion. In a groundbreaking endeavour to reshape Africa’s creative economy, Afuzion emerges as a pioneering force, championing unity and celebrating the rich tapestry of Africa’s heritage.
Founder of Afuzion, Chiki Kuruka, a distinguished dance choreographer, spearheads this historic initiative, culminating from one and a half years of dedicated conceptualization and development. Addressing prevalent challenges within the dance industry, Kuruka highlights the critical need for regulation and comprehensive training among instructors, underscoring the curriculum’s holistic approach towards dance education.
Afuzion’s curriculum transcends conventional boundaries, delving into the cultural and contextual dimensions of African dance forms. With a meticulous focus on history, anatomy, health, and safety, the curriculum empowers both aspiring and seasoned dancers, granting them professional recognition and expertise across diverse African dance genres.
The lack of structure and unequal treatment of Afro-dance compared to other styles further underscores the imperative for Afuzion’s intervention. Recognized by NITA, the curriculum pioneers specialized training in four dance genres, encompassing West African Street, Kenyan Street, Amapiano, and traditional dances like Massai warrior dance, Luo Ohangia, Kikuyu Mugiithi Samba, Makossa, and Mapouka, among others.
Beyond technical proficiency, Afuzion prioritizes the documentation and protection of Kenya’s dance heritage, aiming to position African dance on the global stage. With dance emerging as a cornerstone of wellness and cultural expression, Afuzion presents a transformative opportunity to professionalize and export African dance, catalyzing economic growth and fostering cultural exchange.
As mental health emerges as a global priority, Afuzion’s integration of dance into wellness programs underscores its potential to address prevalent health crises. With over 25% of the global population grappling with mental health disorders daily, Afuzion’s emphasis on physical health serves as a beacon of hope, offering a path towards holistic well-being and community resilience.
Amidst a dynamic global landscape, Afuzion stands poised to revolutionize Africa’s creative economy, propelling African dance onto the world stage as a valuable commodity. With the potential to generate significant economic dividends and promote cross-cultural dialogue, Afuzion heralds a new era of empowerment and inclusivity within the creative sector.